If you like the staying power of gel nails, but want to get a variety of colors like regular nail polish, you may have thought about combining the two. Fortunately, with patience and caution, you can do it! To combine the two variants of nail polish, apply regular nail polish first, then add a layer of gel topcoat. To make it last longer, make a “gelly sandwich” by layering regular nail polish between two layers of gel.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Applying a gel topcoat over ordinary nail polish
Step 1. Apply nail polish as usual
Color your nails with regular nail polish as you wish. To make the paint stick better, use a file and clean your nails first. You can also use a base coat made of non-gel material.
- For a lighter or more opaque color, add a few coats of nail polish. However, don't make it too thick or the gel topcoat won't stick well.
- Apply nail polish to the tips of your nails, but don't coat the base of the nail near your finger.
Step 2. Allow the paint to dry completely
This is an essential step in making a nail polish and gel combination look great! Before applying the gel topcoat, let your nails sit for a few hours to dry. Make sure the nail polish is completely dry before continuing with the process.
- Nail polish will usually dry within 4-6 hours. Ideally, you should let your nails sit for 24 hours.
- You may need to dry your nails longer if you use more than one coat of polish.
- If the nail polish is not dry, the topcoat will peel off. The paint may also crack or curl under the applied gel coat.
Step 3. Apply the gel as a topcoat layer
After the nail polish dries, apply a coat of gel topcoat. Start at the base of the nail, then work your way up to the tip. Apply this layer all the way to the base of the nail near the unpainted finger.
If any gel sticks to your skin or cuticles, wipe it off immediately before drying. Otherwise, the coating will stick together and be difficult to clean
Step 4. Dry the topcoat under a UV or LED lamp
Place your hands under a special LED or UV lamp to dry your nails. Leave your nails in the light for the recommended amount of time.
- See the topcoat product label for the correct drying time. Usually, you need to dry your nails for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
- You can buy these lights at online stores, convenience stores, or beauty product stores.
Warning:
Using a UV or LED lamp to dry paint can expose your skin to high levels of UV radiation, which can damage your skin in the long run. If you often decorate your nails, protect your hands with a broad-spectrum sunscreen cream or special UV gloves.
Step 5. Wipe any untidy areas with rubbing alcohol
After the gel topcoat has dried, there will be a sticky layer on the surface of your nail. To get rid of them, pour isopropyl alcohol (spiritus) onto a piece of lint-free cloth, then wipe each nail. If you want, you can also use alcohol wipes.
- Do not use cotton because the fibers will stick to the nails.
- If you can, use a different swab for each nail. Wiping more than one nail with the same cloth can make the topcoat look untidy.
- If your cuticles feel dry, let the alcohol sit for 1-2 minutes until it dries, then apply a small amount of cuticle oil.
Method 2 of 2: Using the “Gelly Sandwich” Technique
Step 1. Scrub your nails with a file to remove the shine
Before applying a gel base coat, you need to slightly roughen the surface of the nail. This will make the gel stick better. Gently scrub the nail surface with a file or buffer with a grit level of 220 or higher. Swipe the tool over the nail surface 6 to 8 times in an X pattern. Do this gently.
- Be careful not to overdo it so you don't damage your nails.
- If you prefer to use a file instead of a buffer, use a file with a fine grinder. Gently rub it against the nail surface several times. Otherwise, the nails may be damaged.
Step 2. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe off the nail chips
Wipe the filed nails with a lint-free cloth dipped in spirit. This will keep your nails clean and moist so the gel can stick well.
- If you want, you can use alcohol wipes, like those used for first aid purposes.
- Do not use cotton because the fibers will stick to the surface of the nail.
Step 3. Apply nail gel as a foundation
Apply a thin layer of nail gel on each nail, from the base to the tip. This layer serves as the foundation for your nail art. Once the coating is finished, brush a small amount of gel onto the edges of the nails so that the ends are covered.
Be careful not to get the gel into the cuticles as this can cause the coating to peel off easily
Step 4. Dry the prepared foundation layer under an LED or UV lamp
Dry your nails under an LED or UV light for the recommended duration. This usually takes about 30 seconds for an LED lamp or 1 minute for a UV lamp.
If you're worried about UV exposure, protect your hands with sun cream or special nail care gloves
Step 5. Wipe the nail surface with rubbing alcohol to get rid of the untidy coating
After the foundation layer has dried, there will be a sticky “sticky layer” on the surface of the nail. To get rid of them, clean your nails with a lint-free cloth dampened with 91% isopropyl alcohol.
You can also use disposable alcohol wipes for this
Step 6. Apply 1 or 2 thin coats of regular nail polish
Prepare the nail polish of your choice, then wipe the mouth of the bottle to remove any remaining liquid. Apply a thin, even layer on each nail. Allow 5 minutes for the paint to dry, then apply a second coat if desired.
- If the nail polish is too thick, the gel on the topcoat will not stick well.
- Apply the polish all over the nail, but don't coat the tips. This will prevent the tip of the nail from being damaged.
Step 7. Allow the nail polish to dry completely
To prevent the nail polish from curling or cracking under the gel coat, you need to let it dry. Ideally, you should wait a few hours or a full day before adding a.1. topcoat
If you use a quick-drying nail polish, a topcoat may be possible after 15-20 minutes
Step 8. Add a layer of gel as a topcoat
Once you're sure the nail polish is completely dry, apply the gel to create a topcoat. Make an even layer, don't touch your cuticles, and coat the tips of your nails as well.
Coating the tips of the nails with gel will seal the nail polish and prevent damage to the nails
Step 9. Dry the topcoat under the lamp for the recommended duration
Place your nails under an LED or UV light to allow the topcoat to dry. Check the gel bottle to see how long you need to do this.
Usually, it will take you 30 seconds if you use an LED lamp and 2 minutes if you use a UV lamp
Step 10. Clean the untidy layer on the nail surface with rubbing alcohol
When you're done, wipe off any coating on the nail's surface with a lint-free cloth dampened with 91% isopropyl alcohol. You now have a beautiful and durable gelly sandwich nail decoration!
